Teach Yourself Algebra [antikvár]

FNTRODUCTION Algebra is such a wide and comprehensive subject that this volume cannot be regarded as anythmg more than an elementary introduction to it. It is an endeavour to enable the private student to Jeam something of the principles and foundations of the subject, thus enabling him to proceed to the study of more detailed and advanced treatises. It also provides, within the necessarily prescribed limits of such a book, that knowledge of Algebra which is required by a student of allied branches of Mathematics or in applications of Mathematics to Engineering, etc. Consequently some of those elementary sections of the subject which are of little use for these purposes have not been included. The exercises are progressive and designed both to enable the student to test his knowledge of the work he has studied and also to provide material for his training in that power of manipulation which is so essential. They contain few of the more complicated or academic problems which are beyond the practical requirements of the ordinary student. An Appendix contains, without exercises, a very brief summary of the meaning of Permutations and Combinations, the Binomial Theorem, and the nature of the roots of a Quadratic Equation, together with those formulae which students may require when beginning work on the Calculus or other branches of Mathematics. While the fundamental laws of Algebra have not been entirely overlooked, rigid proofs of them have been omitted, owing to exigencies of space. It is hoped, however, that the logical basis of the subject has not been seriously impaired by the omissions. Some emphasis has been placed on the graphical aspects of parts of the subject, since experience has shown that they prove stimulating and provide revealing help to the student. No previous mathematical knowledge is required for this work, beyond that of Arithmetic. References have occasionally been made to theorems in Geometry or Trigonometry for the benefit of those students who have some knowledge of them. The Author is desirous of expressing his indebtedness to Mr. C. E. Kerridge, B.Sc., for the use of a number of examples from National Certificate Mathematics, Vol. I, and also to Mr. H. Marshall, B.Sc., for the use of examples from Vol. II of the same work. He also desires to record his gratitude to Mr. S. R. Morrell for the valuable assistance he has given in the correction of proofs. P. Abbott.